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United States Patent |
6,101,636
|
Williams
|
August 15, 2000
|
Sculptured helmet ornamentation
Abstract
A helmet, preferably a motorcycle helmet, having a latex or rubbery three
dimensional sculpture generally following the contour of the helmet
adhered to the outer surface thereof. The three dimensional structure is
permanently adhered to the outer surface of the helmet, preferably with an
epoxy adhesive. The helmets bears a striking decoration and are capable of
enduring in the environment of use of motorcycle helmets. The structures
seem to be a part of, or evolve from, the helmet, and make possible for
the first time three dimensional images.
Inventors:
|
Williams; Marix (4203 Lauber Way, #2, Tampa, FL 33614)
|
Appl. No.:
|
757295 |
Filed:
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November 27, 1996 |
Current U.S. Class: |
2/410; 2/422 |
Intern'l Class: |
A42B 003/00 |
Field of Search: |
2/410,411,422,412,425,205,171,209.13
D29/102,103,106
446/27
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
D5560 | Feb., 1872 | Watters | D10/230.
|
D11176 | Apr., 1879 | Cairns | D10/230.
|
D171492 | Feb., 1954 | Erickson et al. | D29/103.
|
D179967 | Apr., 1957 | Erickson | D3/13.
|
D320476 | Oct., 1991 | Mele | D29/13.
|
D330950 | Nov., 1992 | Voepel | D29/106.
|
D382370 | Aug., 1997 | Comstock et al. | D29/106.
|
D385063 | Oct., 1997 | Anderson | D29/102.
|
D387502 | Dec., 1997 | Comstock et al. | D29/106.
|
2296335 | Sep., 1942 | Brady | 2/412.
|
3174155 | Mar., 1965 | Pitman | 2/425.
|
3242500 | Mar., 1966 | Derr | 2/412.
|
3435460 | Apr., 1969 | Grant | 2/422.
|
3596289 | Aug., 1971 | Adickes | 2/422.
|
3818508 | Jun., 1974 | Lammers et al. | 2/412.
|
4586200 | May., 1986 | Poon | 2/413.
|
4601070 | Jul., 1986 | Sargentini | 2/422.
|
5399602 | Mar., 1995 | Matsushita | 524/267.
|
5428097 | Jun., 1995 | Kobayashi | 524/493.
|
5508900 | Apr., 1996 | Norman | 2/422.
|
5516832 | May., 1996 | Kennan | 524/493.
|
5713082 | Feb., 1998 | Bassette et al. | 2/412.
|
5953762 | Sep., 1999 | Corbett | 2/425.
|
Other References
"The Perfectly Safe Catalog", p. 58, Dec. 1992.
Copyright 1993, Dow Corning Corporation, Dow Corning New Product
Information, Silastic M RTV CIBA-GEIGY Corporation's Product Data,
Formulated Materials Group, "Araldite 2043".
Wintune Graphics, Inc., Innovative Helmet Manufacturing, '96 Catalog.
|
Primary Examiner: Neas; Michael A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Silverberg; Sam
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A helmet bearing a sculptured ornament, comprising a helmet having a
sculptured ornament wherein said sculptured ornament is formed of a
elastomeric material having a smooth underside for conforming to the outer
contour of said helmet, wherein said sculptured ornament is permanently
adhered to said helmet and wherein said sculptured ornament is flexible
and the underlying surface of the sculptured ornament conforms to the
surface of the helmet.
2. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material is a
thermosetting liquid silicone rubber composition comprising one or more of
addition-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions that are
composed of alkenyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane, SiH-containing
organohydrogen-polysiloxane, and OH-containing diorganopolysiloxane.
3. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said sculpture covers 80% or more of the
helmet.
4. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said sculpture exhibits two or more
colors.
5. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said helmet is a motorcycle helmet.
6. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said sculpture represents flames.
7. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said sculpture represents a brain.
8. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said sculpture represents a face.
9. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein said sculpture includes hollow
microspheres formed by a blowing agent.
10. A helmet as in claim 1 wherein the sculptured ornament is a molded
product where the outer surface is sculptured and the underlying surface
has substantially the same outline along the perimeter as the outer
surface.
11. A motorcycle helmet as in claim 10, wherein the permanent adherence
softens and mars the surface of the helmet.
12. A helmet as in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material is selected
from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and silicone.
13. A helmet bearing a sculptured ornament, wherein said helmet is
fiberglass, wherein said sculptured ornament is formed of an elastomeric
material, wherein said sculpture is permanently adhered to said fiberglass
helmet; and wherein said sculpture covers 30% or more of the surface of
the helmet.
14. A helmet as in claim 13, wherein said sculpture covers 50% or more of
the surface of the helmet.
15. A helmet bearing a sculptured ornament, wherein said helmet is
fiberglass, wherein said sculptured ornament is formed of an elastomeric
material, wherein said sculpture is permanently adhered to said fiberglass
helmet; and wherein said sculpture extends no more than 1 inch from the
surface of the helmet.
16. A helmet as in claim 10, wherein said sculpture extends no more than
1/2 inch from the surface of the helmet.
17. A motorcycle helmet bearing a sculptured ornament, wherein said helmet
is fiberglass, wherein said sculptured ornament is formed of an
elastomeric material, wherein said sculpture is permanently adhered to
said fiberglass motorcycle helmet;
and wherein said sculptured ornament is flexible and the underlying surface
of the sculptured ornament conforms to the surface of the helmet.
18. A motorcycle helmet as in claim 17, wherein said the sculptured
ornament is a molded product where the outer surface is sculptured and the
underlying surface has substantially the same outline along the perimeter
as the outer surface.
19. A motorcycle helmet as in claim 18, wherein the permanent adherence
softens and mars the surface of the helmet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new artistic approach for modifying a
helmet having a generally two dimensional surface into a helmet displaying
a three dimensional artistic sculpture or ornamentation. The sculpture or
ornamentation, though added onto an existing helmet, appears to be an
integral part of the helmet or to evolve out of the helmet. Even if
provided with features having sharp projections, the sculpture is capable
of enduring those conditions of heat, cold, abrasion, rain, and
ultra-violet radiation to which helmets such as motorcycle helmets may be
subjected. In addition to being highly decorative, the sculpture or
ornament has an additional benefit in that it increases shock absorbency
of the helmet and thus enhances safety.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present inventor worked in the field of customizing motorcycles for a
number of years, mainly as a painter of artistic images and designs on
motorcycle gas tanks and helmets. The most popular motifs include flames,
skulls, flags, animals, and women.
With an air brush, in general, it is possible to use shading and artistic
tricks to impart an impression of depth to an otherwise two-dimensional
design. A good air brush artist can make many air-brushed images look
three dimensional. For example, one popular form of three dimensional
appearing design includes a "breakout" feature wherein, for example, a
hand or claws or a ferocious animal would seem to tear through a metal gas
tank or helmet, as though breaking out from inside the gas tank or helmet.
One problem associated with designs intended to have a three dimensional
appearance is that the rendering of each design is labor intensive. For
example, applying flames to a gas tank involves many stages of masking
out. Each stage has to be done manually, a very long process. Further,
customers are looking for even more depth than that achieved with
conventional techniques.
While it is possible with an air brush to give an impression of depth, some
images, such as an eagles, may be picturesque and popular but do not lend
themselves to a three dimensional artwork. Thus, some designs are
difficult or impossible to make three dimensional looking.
The inventor also noticed that many motor cycle riders were reluctant to
wear helmets. Part of the reluctance came from the "wind blowing in my
hair" attitude, but a major reason for non-use of helmets stems from the
perception that motorcycle helmets are not image enhancing.
In the last 50 years no great advances have been made in the fashionability
or appearance value of helmets. It would seem to be a great idea to be
able to modify a helmet so that it is more attractive and safer.
In view of the above, the inventor considered that motorcycle helmet
artwork is generally rendered on a flat (two-dimensional) surface. The
inventor considered that he could be much more innovative with motorcycle
helmet imaging and designs if he could provide either a non-painted three
dimensional image surface to the helmet prior to painting, or to provide
an artwork which is painted and ready to apply to a helmet such as a
motorcycle helmet. The inventor considered that if these three dimensional
designs enhanced the attractiveness of the helmet, the helmet would be
more likely to be worn.
It has long been known to decorate a helmet with an ornamental structure
such as buffalo horns, an eagle, or a figure, as shown, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 5,560, 11,176 and 179,967. Beginning with this
conventional understanding, the inventor experimented with many different
resins, trying to apply a shallow, helmet conforming sculpture or
ornamentation to a helmet using fiberglass resins similar to those that
helmets are originally made out of. However, after numerous attempts to
render a motorcycle helmet three dimensional, the inventor discovered a
number of problems. For example, there are problems with undercut, wherein
features could not be imparted to highly convoluted or ornamental designs
since it is necessary to form a mold in a manner that could be removed
after casting the sculpture or ornament. Further, there were problems of
projections or details snapping and breaking when the mold is removed.
Further, due to inherent requirements for mold design, it was difficult to
get the artwork to look as clean as needed.
Further, helmets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A fiberglass
ornamental designed to conform to one helmet will not necessarily fit
another helmet having a different shape or size.
Further, if a helmet is provided with a fiberglass ornament having a sharp
projection and the helmet is banged against a hard surface the projection
will break off. If the same sharp projection is urged against a soft
surface such as a motorcycle seat or human skin, it will pierce and tear
the soft surface.
The inventor thus considered that there was a need for a new type of
motorcycle helmet ornamentation which could be used to render a
conventional helmet either as artistic as desired or as outrageous as
desired. That is, motorcycle riders, when gathered at events such as those
held at Sturgis or Daytona Beach, make extreme modifications to their
motorcycles and wear exotic costumes and decorations in order to stand out
and be noticed. Motorcycle helmets, in contrast, either have two
dimensional designs such as stickers or artwork, or have ornaments affixed
to the helmet, such as horns or fur, which ornaments are limited and
neither appear to be a part of the helmet nor enhance the safety of the
helmet. From experience attending motorcycle rallies, it becomes apparent
that no one has been able to provide a motorcycle helmet with a three
dimensional sculpture which is capable of being highly personalized, which
appears to be an integral part of the helmet, which enhances safety, and
which stands up to conditions of use of a motorcycle helmet.
The inventor investigated commercially available helmets and found no
solution to the above problems. The following is representative of patents
relating to helmet modifications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,888 to Straus teaches an apparatus for protecting the
wearer of a football helmet, the apparatus being in the form of a cap, and
more specifically, a helmet conforming elastomeric cellular helmet cover.
The helmet cover is attached to the exterior of an unmodified helmet by
means of flexible tabs. The helmet cover increases the shock absorbency
and resiliency of the helmet outer shell when football players practice,
and thereby reduces the potential for injury to the wearer. The helmet
cover is made thicker in those areas where impact is most likely to occur.
While this helmet cover may contribute to low-impact shock absorbency, the
helmet cover does not in any decorate the helmet or enhance the artistic
appeal of a helmet. Further, the cap is not permanently attached to the
helmet, and is clearly not intended to stand up to continuous use in the
environment to which a motorcycle helmet is subjected.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,958 to Rotzin teaches a bicycle helmet made more
aerodynamic by provision of ridges (17) across the top. These ridges cause
air flow over the helmet to separate prior to the onset of turbulence and
minimize buffeting of the helmet and reduce drag. The ridges are
integrally molded into the helmet, and there is no teaching as to how to
modify an existing helmet to render it artistically attractive.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,290 to Carpenter teaches a method for manufacturing a
decorated helmet. The end product is, however, a two dimensional design
which differs from three dimensional design with which the present
inventor is concerned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a preferred embodiment, the invention concerns latex or rubbery
structures capable of being adhered to a helmet, preferably a motorcycle
helmet. The invention also concerns a method of adhering the structure to
a helmet, and the ornamental helmets produced thereby.
In accordance with the present invention three dimensional structures are
permanently adhered to the outer surface of the helmet, preferably with an
epoxy adhesive. The helmets produced thereby bear a striking decoration,
and are long lasting in the environment of use of motorcycle helmets,
i.e., the structures survive banging and scratching.
The decorative structures are slightly flexible and are thus advantageous
over hard fiberglass structures since according to the present invention
sharp edges do not tend to break if impacted against a hard surface and
sharp edges do not pierce the skin of a user, for example, if a helmet is
impacted against the leg of a motorcyclist while carrying the helmet.
Further, while it may be difficult to conform a hard fiberglass structure
to a motorcycle helmet, it is easy to conform a soft structure to any
shape or size helmet.
The structures are painted, form a three dimensional yet integral part of
the motorcycle helmet, are durable and long lasting, and have a unique
feel as compared to a fiberglass motorcycle helmet surface. The structures
may be highly diverse shapes such as a human brain, a vampire, a demon,
skulls or flames.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important
features of the present invention in order that the detailed description
of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the
present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional
features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the
subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments
disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing
other helmet sculptures or ornaments for carrying out the same purposes of
the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the
art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present
invention reference should be made by the following detailed description
taken in with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the invention showing a
three dimensional decorative flame ornament applied to a motorcycle
helmet.
FIG. 2 is a back view of the flame ornament after casting.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the flame ornament after casting.
FIG. 4 shows the flame ornament in side view taking on the contour of the
helmet shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a helmet.
FIG. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention showing a
three dimensional decorative demon ornament applied to the front of a
motorcycle helmet.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the demon ornament after casting.
FIG. 8 shows the demon ornament in side view taking on the contour of the
helmet shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a helmet.
FIG. 10 is a front view of a third embodiment of the invention showing a
three dimensional decorative brain ornament applied to a motorcycle
helmet.
FIG. 11 is a top view of the brain ornament after casting.
FIG. 12 shows the brain ornament in side view taking on the contour of the
helmet shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 12 is a side view of a helmet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
After extensive trial and error work with many hard resins, the inventor
finally realized that for safety reasons it would be desirable to come up
with a softer, more spongy variation of the helmet modifying material. The
inventor was, at the time, working on a helmet cover which had the
appearance of a brain, and realized that if the brain not only looked
realistic but also felt realistic it would have a significant uniqueness
factor. However, it went contrary to his understanding to provide a
flexible material on an otherwise conventionally hard surface. A flexible
material would seem prone to tearing, disfiguring, and loss of paint.
After extensive experimentation, the inventor found materials which were
durable in terms of tear and scratch resistance, held paint, and could be
permanently adhered to a motorcycle helmet.
A first embodiment of the invention was a helmet which, when worn, had the
appearance of an exposed brain. Not only did the outer soft shell look
like a brain and feel like a brain, it had a high uniqueness factor, and
due to the additional cushioning effect actually enhanced safety and
helped to protect the brain.
Motorcyclists, when in a group, compete for attention. Motorcycle helmets
modified according to the present invention would guarantee that the
motorcyclist receives attention. Not only is the concept and visual
appearance outrageous, but the "brain" has a novel feel. Observers will
want to touch the helmet because of it's appearance, and will be surprised
by the novel feel.
The softer external layer not only helps cushion the impact while the
motorcycle rider wears the helmet, it also enhances safety since it helps
to protect a helmet from a fall, for example, from a table top to the
ground. Conventional fiberglass helmets may fracture or develop weaknesses
from such a fall, and should be replaced or sent to the manufacturer for
X-raying after a fall. The cushioning layer according to the present
invention greatly reduces the impact to the fiberglass part of the helmet
and thereby prolongs the life of the helmet.
Of course, if a biker were to fall, there is a possibility that the rubbery
layer according to the present invention may actually reduce the risk of
serious injuries because it has somewhat of a pillow effect.
Finally, an helmet this unique is more likely to be worn, if not for safety
reasons that for appearance. A helmet is only effective when worn.
As discussed above, the inventor had to solve the problem of providing an
external surface which was tough enough to hold up to the abrasion and
knocks to which a helmet is exposed, yet have no concern that a custom
design, once painted on, would abrade off. This problem was solved in two
ways. First, there is difference between paints and dyes. The custom
design could be applied by directly air brushing alcohol disperse dyes in
preference to paints. Second, the entire article could be predyed so that
even if abraded it would not loose color. After casting, the article is
merely touched up, detailed, or color enhanced with minimal air brushing.
The actual product could be made in a manner so as to minimize the amount
of coloring and painting required to produce the final product. Further,
the concern of scrapping, scratching and denting is alleviated by the
provision of dyes inside of the rubber material. The rubber, resin or
latex which has the primary coloring throughout will look good even after
scratching or abrading.
The process used in the present invention to decorate the three-
dimensional ornamentation thus may start with dyeing the rubber or latex
figure with a basic or background color over which a further decoration
can be applied. After the dyed ornament is molded into the desired
ornamental shape, the image is colored or is touched up. This coloration
be accomplished by any of a variety of industrial apparatus, but for
customization, individualization and detail the inventor prefers to paint
designs with an alcohol solvent based air brush paint or dye. One
preferred air brush paint is distributed by Graphic Marker International
Inc., of Chatsworth, Calif. 91311 under the name Studio Dye.TM. and comes
mixed with an adhesion promoter which imparts a latex or rubber like
quality and adheres to almost any surface. However, many commercially
available alternatives could be substituted, including DEKA-SignAir.TM. of
Decart Inc., Morrisville, Vt. 05661, Createx Pearlized.TM. or Createx Auto
IR.TM. acrylic enamel of Createx Color, Granby, Conn. 06026, Dr., PH
Martins Ready Tex.TM. texture paint by Salis International Inc.,
Hollywood, Fla. 33020, or a urethane spray paint mixture that includes
cellulose acetate butyrate for control of defects when sprayed too heavily
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,963 which is included for reference), a coating
material which contains a thermosetting carboxy-hydroxy acrylic copolymer
cross-linked by polyisocyanates, polypoxides, or aminoplast resins, and
also containing cobalt metal organic dyes, and chrome metal organic dyes
as used on automobiles (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,020 incorporated herein by
reference), a latex paint where a distilled isocyanate is reacted with an
alkynol to form urethane and then to form 3-iodo-2-propynylbutyl carbamate
without the use of trialkyamine as a catalyst to prevent yellowing (see
U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,784 incorporated herein by reference), or other
specialized airbrush dyes or paint mixtures such as Chromabase.TM. etc.
For protection of the ornamental structure an ultraviolet absorber (UVA) is
preferably either mixed into a clear coat or mixed directly in with the
dye/paint, to prevent fading, discoloration or cracking from exposure to
intense sunlight. Examples of suitable ultraviolet absorbers include
benzotriazoles such as tinuvin 1130.TM., tinuvin p.TM., and tinuvin
384.TM. (trademark, CIBA GEIGY) which are added to the clear coat,
ortho-hydroxybenzophenones; triphenyltriazines and oxanilides, which are
added to the dye/paint, or an ultraviolet absorbing amino compound that
contains a hydroxyphenyl group, one amino group, formaldehyde, and at
least one alcohol, which is mixed with the dye/paint's basic compound and
can be applied as a clear coat or with a inorganic or organic pigment
added. More specific examples of ultraviolet absorbers include:
2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone,
2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)-benzotriazole,
2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxybenzophenone,
2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'diethoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dipropoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dibutoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-ethoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-propoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-butoxybenzophenone,
2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-cyclo-hexylphenyl)benzotriazole,
2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-methyl-5'-tert-butylphenyl)benzotriazole,
2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-cyclo-hexylphenyl)benzotriazole,
2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-dimethylphenyl)benzotriazole,
ethyl 3,3'-diphenyl-2-cyanoacrylate,
octyl 3,3-diphenyl-2-cyanoacrylate,
(Other examples of ultraviolet absorbers can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,487,914, 5,426,131, and 4,319,016, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference). The purpose of the ultraviolet absorber
is to prevent the color from fading, discoloring, or cracking under
intense sunlight.
Since the ornament is flexible(to prevent breaking, ripping or tearing at
any soft surface, and adding to the safety) the inventor was concerned
with the flexibility of the dye/paint mixture to prevent cracking and
peeling. For this the inventor chose a form of dye/paint mixture with a
latex quality and a strong adhesive property or includes an adhesive
promoter for preventing the color from peeling or flaking while
withstanding the harsh environments of a motorcyclist. The adhesion
promoter can consist of an acrylic or methacrylic polymer that is added to
the coating composition. Many commercially available adhesion promoters
are available on the market, for example: SC-462 of SONY Chemicals Co.,
ACRYPET VH of Mitsubishi Rayon Co., and PARAPET HR1000NP and PARAPET GF100
of Kyowa Gas Chemicals Co.(U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,365 which is included for
reference). These adhesion promoters can be added to the dye/paint mixture
to enhance the ability to withstand the abuse that a motorcyclist's helmet
must endure.
Yet a further concern addressed by the inventor was loss of aerodynamic
properties of the helmet due to the irregularly contoured surface of the
helmet. All conventional helmets are generally flat on the outer surface.
Being smooth on the outside is believed to be slippery for the wind,
streamlined, and aerodynamic. A wrinkled, rough or sculptured surface
would seem to interfere with the aerodynamics. However, it was found that
a moderate amount of ridges even seemed to help break up the air, create
sufficient turbulence to prevent drag. This is particularly true where
sculptures extend only about 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch over the actual helmet
itself, with the design is not fully developed but is partial so that once
painted it looks like it were 3-D, i.e., like it is actually evolving out
of the helmet.
While the main concept of the invention initially concerned motorcycle
helmets, it is readily apparent that the same concept can be applied to
bicyclists helmets, skateboarder helmets, rollerblader helmets, etc.
The decorative ornamental layer which adds relief to the external surface
of the motorcycle helmet may be made of any rubbery material so long as
the material has sufficient shape retentive characteristics as to retain
the desired ornamental or decorative shape. The ornament is preferably
sufficiently pliable or rubbery to the touch to impart a unique feel to
the external surface of the motor cycle helmet. However, the ornament must
also be sufficiently tough and tear resistant in order to stand up to use
in the normal environment to which a motor cycle helmet is subjected. That
is, all projecting corners and edges of the ornament must be capable of
withstanding abrasion, the paint or coloring must be sufficiently adhered
as to not be removed by scratching, the ornament must remain adhered to
the helmet even under conditions of extreme cold and extreme heat, and the
ornament must not fade or discolor or crack following exposure to intense
sunlight or rain.
The sculpture or ornament is preferably formed of a silicone rubber,
preferably a thermosetting liquid silicone rubber composition comprising
one or more of addition-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber
compositions that are composed of alkenyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane,
SiH-containing organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and reinforcing filler and that
are cured by platinum group metal catalysts to yield silicone rubber;
organoperoxide-curing liquid silicone rubber compositions that are
composed of alkenyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane and reinforcing filler
and that are cured by organoperoxide to yield silicone rubber; and
condensation-reaction curing liquid silicone rubber compositions that are
composed of OH-containing diorganopolysiloxane, SiH-containing
organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and reinforcing filler and that are cured to
yield silicone rubber by condensation-reaction catalysts such as organotin
compounds, organotitanium compounds, platinum group metal catalysts, etc.
Among these the addition-reaction-curing liquid silicone rubber
compositions are preferred for their high cure rate and very uniform cure.
A particularly preferred rubber composition for use in the present
invention is a curable silicone rubber composition as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,516,832 (Kennan, et al.), the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference. The composition disclosed in this patent
contains a silicone gum, resin reinforcing filler and a plasticizer, the
plasticizer being a polybutylene oligomer or a combination of short-chain,
hydroxy-terminated silicone oil and the polybutylene oligomer, and is
curable with the aid of an organic peroxide. This silicone rubber
composition, when cured, exhibits a reduced modulus and improved tear
strength. More particularly, a plasticizer consisting essentially of a
certain polybutylene oligomer, or a combination of a hydroxy-terminated
short-chain diorganopolysiloxane and the polybutylene oligomer, can be
employed in a conventional silicone rubber base or stock to reduce the
modulus and improve tear strength of the cured rubber. The silicone rubber
base is prepared, mixed with an organic peroxide catalyst, and may then be
fabricated into a silicone rubber article by conventional methods such as
extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, etc., and may then be
cured under conditions which depend upon the activity and half life of the
particular peroxide employed. Typically, the cure is carried out at about
116.degree. C. for a period of about 5-10 minutes. The composition is
preferably 100 parts by weight of diorganopolysiloxane gum, 10-75 parts by
weight by reinforcing filler, the above mentioned polybutylene oligomer,
and optionally a hydroxy-terminated diorganopolysiloxane.
More specifically, the diorganopolysiloxane is a high consistency gum
having a degree of polymerization of about 2,000 to about 25,000,
preferably 2,000 to 8,500. The diorganopolysiloxane may be a linear or
branched polymer or copolymer wherein the organic groups are independently
selected from hydrocarbon and halogenated hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to
6 carbon atoms, such as alkyl radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl
radicals having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, aryl radicals such as phenyl,
halogenated alkyl radicals having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, aralky radicals or
cycloaliphatic radicals having 5-6 carbon atoms. In order to facilitate
crosslinking by an organic peroxide catalyst it is preferred that the gum
contain up to about 5 mole percent alkenyl radicals, such as vinyl
radicals, either along the chain or at the chain ends. Most preferably, up
to about 2 mole percent vinyl radicals are present in each gum molecule.
Aside from this consideration, the nature of the terminal groups on the
diorganopolysiloxane gum is not critical for the purposes of the present
invention. They may be illustrated by such groups as trimethyisiloxy,
dimethylphenylsiloxy, diethylphenylsiloxy, dimethylvinylsiloxy,
dimethylhexenylsiloxy and dimethylhydroxysiloxy, with dimethylvinylsiloxy
being preferred.
Examples of suitable diorganopolysiloxanes include polydimethylsiloxane
homopolymers, polymethylhexylsiloxane homopolymers, copolymers of
dimethylsiloxane units and methylphenylsiloxane units, homopolymers of
methyl-3.3, 3-trifluoropropylsiloxane units, copolymers of
dimethylsiloxane units and methylhexylsiloxane units, copolymers of
dimethylsiloxane units and methylchloropropylsiloxane units, copolymers of
dimethylsiloxane units and methylbeta-phenylethylsiloxane units,
copolymers of dimethylsiloxane units and methylcyclohexylsiloxane units
and copolymers of dimethylsiloxane units and methylhydrogensiloxane units,
to name but a few. Again, it is preferred that up to about 5 mole percent
of alkenyl-containing siloxane units are inter-polymerized within the
above mentioned polymer or copolymer systems. Mixtures of two or more such
gums may be employed as the diorganopolysiloxane.
The ornament must be capable of withstanding both very cold temperatures
and very hot temperatures. A silicone rubber composition that can used to
make a silicone rubber compound having good processability, good molding
properties, and good physical properties as a result of curing, and
particularly having good resistance to both heat and cold, is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,097 (Kobayashi). The silicone rubber composition
comprises a diorganopolysiloxane containing vinyl groups, a fluorine resin
powder, an organopolysiloxane containing units of a specific formula, a
reinforcing silica powder, and a curing agent.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,781 (Hagen) teaches a process for forming a cured
article of consistent shape from a hydrolyzable siloxane composition
without the problem of non-uniformity that results from significant die
swell upon extrusion and from shrinkage upon curing.
Since a motorcycle helmet is conventionally worn in an environment which
may be exposed to oil, gas or other hydrocarbons solvents, the silicone is
preferably an oil-resistant silicone rubber. U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,602
(Matsushita, et al.) teaches an oil-resistant silicone rubber composition
that undergoes little swelling even when used in regular or continuous
contact with mineral oil-based lubricating oil such as engine oil. The
oil-resistant silicone rubber composition comprises: (A) a
dimethylsiloxane-3,3,3-trifluoropropylmethyl-siloxanemethylvinylsiloxane
copolymer gum that contains 0.001 to 5 mole percent methylvinylsiloxane
unit, (B) a hydrocarbon oil or diorganopolysiloxane oil wherein the total
in each diorganopolysiloxane oil molecule of the number of silicon-bonded
hydrogen atoms and the number of functional groups reactive with component
(A) or (C) is less than two, (C) a reinforcing filler, and (D) a curing
agent in a quantity sufficient to cure the composition.
Where it is desired to have higher structural integrity in part or all of
the decorative ornament, this can be accomplished by adding about 20-50%
by weight of a modulus graphite fiber, based on the combined weight of the
fiber and resin, to a resin matrix comprising about 20-43% by weight of a
flexible epoxy comprising a linoleic dimer acid glycidyl ester epoxy,
about 12-35% by weight of a stiff epoxy and about 35-61% by weight of a
flexible cross-linking agent as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
4,304,694 (Scola, et al.).
It is essential that the decorative ornament be capable of either adhering
directly to the outer surface of a motorcycle helmet, or is capable of
being adhered to the outer surface of a motorcycle helmet by use of an
adhesive. A room temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,889 (Hatanaka, et al.). This
organopolysiloxane composition has a highly durable adhesion that bonds
well to various substrates such as glass, plastics and metals through
contact-curing and exhibits an excellent early-cure adhesiveness. The
composition cures to give a silicone rubber that is highly water-resistant
and exhibits long term retention of its bonding strength even in hostile
ambients such as immersion in hot water. The composition comprises a
hydroxyl-terminated or alkoxy-terminated organopolysiloxane, an inorganic
filler, a rosin ester in which the ester is a polyol, a reaction mixture
from aminoalkylalkoxysilane and epoxyalkylalkoxysilane, and a curing
catalyst. The composition is paintable. The composition may additionally
contain an alkoxysilane crosslinker to adjust the curability and post-cure
strength of the composition. The composition may contain other
plasticizers, fixatrophic agents, colorants, adhesion promoters and
anti-mold compounds. However, in practice, in order to reduce inventory
and storage space requirements, it is preferred to simply premold a number
of ornaments and to simply adhere them to a helmet as required.
Yet further compositions capable of being employed in the present invention
are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,111,890 (Getson, et al.) which
teaches a organopolysiloxane composition which is stable under anhydrous
conditions, but when exposed to atmospheric moisture cures to an
elastomeric solid.
In the event that it is desired to improve the tensile strength of silicone
rubber compositions, additives such as disclosed as U.S. Pat. No.
4,202,812 (Murray) may be employed. In particular, certain
acryloxyalkylsilanes may be added to a silicone rubber base, preferably an
elastomeric polydiorganosiloxane base.
Since it is highly desirable to have the decorative ornament high in impact
resistance and strength and yet low in weight, it is desirable to employ
fillers which reduce the weight of the ornament, such that the weight of
the motorcycle helmet is not unnecessarily increased by the addition of
the decorative ornament. U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,973 (Nakamura, et al.)
teaches the introduction of a foamable silicone rubber composition that
evolves neither toxic gas nor hydrogen, does not suffer from inhibition of
cure to give silicone rubber, and which cures to give a silicone rubber
foam containing uniform microcells. The foamable silicone rubber comprises
a thermosetting liquid silicone rubber composition and thermally
expansible hollow plastic microparticles. In accordance with the present
invention these expansible hollow plastic microparticles are preferably
injection molded into the center or core of the decorative ornament so as
to leave a durable and tear proof skin on the ornament. The Nakamura et al
patent teaches use of silicone rubber foams as seals, packings, gaskets,
O-rings, and so forth. As disclosed in this patent, it is preferred not to
use thermally decomposable blowing agents which have problems of toxicity
or odor of the associated decomposition gas. It is also preferred not to
use a hydrogen curing gas due to the explosive nature of hydrogen. The
thermal setting liquid silicone rubber composition and hollow plastic
microparticles of Nakamura et al are mixed or kneaded and foamed by
introducing into an oven at 140 C.
The properties of the silicone rubber composition may be varied as desired,
either to soften the product or improve the mechanical strength of the
cured product, by the addition of various fillers. These fillers are
exemplified by reinforcing fillers such as precipitated silica, fumed
silica, calcined silica, fumed titanium oxide, and so forth;
nonreinforcing fillers such as quartz powder, diatomaceous earth,
asbestos, aluminosilicic acids, iron oxide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate,
and so forth; and the preceding fillers after treatment with an
organosilicon compound such as an organosilane; organopolysiloxane, and so
forth, and softeners or plasticizers such as oils. Insofar as the object
of the present invention is not impaired, the organopolysiloxane
composition of the present invention may contain trace or small quantities
of an additive that inhibits the curing reaction, i.e. acetylenic
compounds, hydrazines, triazoles, phosphines, and mercaptans. The
following may also be added on an optional basis: pigments, heat
stabilizers, flame retardants, adhesion promoters, etc.
Resort may also be had to U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,972 (Morehouse, Jr., et al.)
teaching microspheres which encapsulate a liquid blowing agent. Heating of
the microspheres causes expansion. The microspheres are useful for
moldings in a preferred embodiment of the present invention where such
microspheres are included in either the backing of the decorative ornament
or in the core of the decorative ornament. In any case, it is desired to
have the blowing agent spaced apart from the visible surface of the
decorative ornament, so as not to detract from the visible appearance,
skin tear strength, and abrasion resistance characteristics of the
decorative ornament.
In the case that it is desired to impart a more rubbery or fleshy feel to
the decorative ornament, a thermoplastic elastomer gelatinous composition
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,646 (Chen) may be employed. Such
gelatinous composition is formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of
poly(styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels
of plasticizing oil, and is disclosed as being particularly useful for
toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical
isolators, components for cushions, among other things. The gelatinous
elastomer product has high dimensional stability, excellent crack, tear,
craze and creep resistance, improved tensile strength and high elongation.
The gelatinous elastomer has excellent process ability for cast molding.
The patent is based on the discovery that high viscosity triblock
copolymers which, by themselves, lack the desired properties, when
combined with selected plasticizing oils with an average molecular weight
of from about 200-700 produces a triblock copolymer with an extremely soft
and highly elastic material having good gel rigidity and substantially
without oil bleed out, alone with high tensile strength and elongation and
other desirable combinations of physical properties. The composition is
excellent for cast molding and the molded products have various excellent
characteristics. The disclosed intended utilities such as therapeutic hand
exercising grips, crutch cushions, cervical pillows, bed wedge pillows,
leg rests, neck cushions, mattresses, bed pads, elbow padding, thermal
pads, wheel chair cushions, helmet liner, and soles for orthopedic shoes
as well as toys, fishing bait, high vacuum seals show their versatility
and applicability to the present invention. The compositions disclosed in
the patent can be cast onto various substrates such as metals, ceramics,
glass, plastic, etc.
Another preferred silicone elastomer which is preferably used to form only
part of the ornamental sculpture, either as a layer between a harder
external surface and the motorcycle helmet or to impart a soft and fleshy
feel to the external surface, is a low hardness silicone elastomer which
is known for use as a resilient support or form block in the stamping of
sheet metal workpieces by the elastoforming of ultra-thin steel sheeting.
The silicone elastomers remain stable and non-migrating under the
conditions of stamping and are thus capable of withstanding the forces to
which a motorcycle helmet surface is subjected during the normal course of
wear. The silicone elastomer include a plasticizer such as an organic or
mineral hydrocarbon oil, diorganopolysiloxane oil, mixed
organic/diorganopolysiloxane polymer and certain organic plasticizers
which are compatible with silicones, such as
polyoxyalkylene/polyorganosiloxane block copolymers, polyalkylbenzenes
obtained by alkylation of benezene with olefins containing a long linear
or branched chain, or petroleum cuts having a high boiling point and
consisting of aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons. This plasticizer is
added to an elastomer originating from the cross-linking, preferably by
casting, of a fluid organopolysiloxane composition which cross-links
either at ambient temperature or when heated to a temperature which is
generally below 150 C., by polycondensation or by polyaddition reactions
in a presence of a suitable metallic or organic catalyst. The plasticizer,
especially when it is a silicone oil, remains incorporated in the
elastomer network, even when the later is subjected to the very severe
pressure conditions of elastoforming. The fluid organopolysiloxane
compositions which are capable of being crosslinked by casting in the
presence of a metal or organic catalyst are those compositions in most
cases formulated in the form of two-component (or 2-pack) compositions
which crosslink either by polyaddition reactions substantially by the
reaction of .dbd.SiH groups borne by a silane or a straight or branched
chain organopolysiloxane, or of vinyl groups bonded to the silicone atoms
of an organopolysiloxane, in the presence of a compound of a platinum
group metal, or by polycondensation reactions of an alpha,
omega-dihydroxydiorganopolysiloxane oil with a crosslinking agent, which
is a silane bearing at least three hydrolyzable groups (typically alkoxy
groups) or a polyalkoxysilane originating from the partial hydrolysis of
this silane, in the presence of a metal catalyst, typically a tin compound
and/or an organic compound such as amines.
Where the decorative ornament itself does not have sufficient adhesive
properties to be cast directly onto a helmet, or where it is desired to
prepare the decorative ornament separately and to adhere such onto a
helmet on an as needed basis, the decorative ornament can be adhered to
the motorcycle or other helmet by use of various adhesives. Preferred
among these are epoxy adhesives such as the epoxy adhesive for bonding
automotive parts as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,193 (Golden). The
adhesive is a high performance two part epoxy structural adhesive suitable
for bonding plastics and composites such as automotive sheet molding
compound and bulk molding compound. The adhesives exhibit excellent
toughness, high temperature strength and rapid cure. This adhesive is
preferable considering that the time required to build sufficient green
strength to adhere the decorative ornament to the helmet is approximately
60 seconds. The adhesive is capable of withstanding the heat in a
automobile engine compartment. Pigments or other fillers may be included
in the adhesive.
A further adhesive having fast curing properties and high shear strength as
well as relatively high peel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,186
(Sellstrom, et al.), wherein a mixture of epoxy resin, polyether diureide,
triactulate, polyethyleneglycol diureide, and the accelerator are allowed
to self cure at a temperature between 0.degree. C. and 45.degree. C.
While most epoxy adhesives are known as "two component" adhesives in view
the requirement to mix the resin with a hardener or curing agent prior to
use, U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,398 (Dearlove, et al.) teaches a high strength
1-part epoxy adhesive composition. The composition cures rapidly at
relatively low temperatures and is based on a diglycidyl ether of
bisphenol A reacted with glycerol and natural oils and a unique triple
catalyst system of metal imidazole salt, dicyandiamide and a cyclic latent
curing agent that liberates diethylenetriamine when heated. Due to the
high curing temperatures, such epoxy adhesives are not preferred.
An epoxy adhesive composition having excellent resistant to water is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,367 (Morris, et al.). A particularly good
light-transmitting adhesive composition having high conductivity, high
volume resistivity and high dielectric and mechanical strength is closed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,685 (Konovenko, et al.).
It may in certain cases be desired, after molding, to impart texturing,
patterns, or to cause the formation of raised letters, or to add details
which cannot be added due to constraints of the molding operation, or for
customization purposes. This can be accomplished by adding into the
elastomer of the decorative ornament a layer containing thermally
expandable microspheres as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,176 (Wolinski,
et al.). Microspheres are incorporated in unexpanded form as a dispersed
phase. The microspheres may be included in the elastomeric silicone resin
or may be coated onto the resin, for example, by precoating the mold with
the expandable material prior to injection of the elastomer into the mold.
The three dimensional effect is then obtained by selectively heating the
microspheres to expand them, usually at a temperature of about 90.degree.
to 150.degree. C. In this way the owners name, nickname, or favorite logo
may be formed onto the helmet.
EXAMPLE 1
This Example teaches how to apply a three dimensional decorative flame
ornament 1 to a motorcycle helmet 2 as shown in FIG. 1. First, an
injection mold is prepared and a flame ornament 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is
cast of a two-part silicone rubber known as SILASTIC.RTM. M RTV silicone
rubber. SILASTIC.RTM. M RTV silicone rubber curing agent is a liquid
silicone rubber including aluminum chromium cobalt oxide,
dimethylvinylated and trimethylated silica, and dimethyl, methylhydrogen
siloxane, as well as dimethyl siloxane, dimethylvinyl-terminated,
dimethyl, methylhydrogen siloxane, methylvinylsylco siloxanes. It may also
contain a quartz filler. While SILASTIC.RTM. was developed by Dow Corning
as a flexible mold making material for use with urethane foams and other
casting plastics, the present invention uses the silicone rubber for the
decorative ornament itself rather than as a mold. This silicone rubber is
preferred for it's ability to cure rapidly at normal ambient conditions
and it's capability of delivering highly detailed reproductions.
A light coat of release agent made of a 5% solution of petroleum jelly in a
mineral spirit solvent is sprayed or wiped onto the pattern of the mold as
a mold release agent.
Separately, an amount of silicone rubber base is poured into a metal can
and curing agent is added to the silicone rubber base in the proportion of
10 parts base to 1 part curing agent by weight. The base and curing agent
are mixed with manual stirring with care not to entrap air in the silicone
material. The silicone rubber remains flowable and pourable for about
1-11/2 hours after the curing agent is added. The full cure of the
silicone rubber occurs by a reaction between the base polymer and the
curing agent requiring approximately 24 hours after the addition- of the
curing agent at room temperature. Vulcanization can be accelerated by
heating the catalyzed material, but this may bring about a slight
shrinkage. Care is taken to insure an absence of sulfur containing
compounds and/or organometallic salt containing compounds such as organic
rubbers and many RTV silicone rubbers in the mold since these materials
may inhibit polymerization.
The decorative ornament once removed from the mold, is highly detailed and,
if cured at room temperature, has no noticeable shrinkage. While the
ornament 1 when removed from the mold as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is
generally planar, the flame ornament is flexible and can be readily
conformed to the spherical surface of the motorcycle helmet 2 as shown in
FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.
In Example 1 a white pigment is blended in to the silicone rubber so that
the ornament leaving the mold is completely white. The color scheme of the
motorcycle helmet is not relevant, but the color of the motorcycle helmet
preferably contrasts with the flame design color scheme. Since the flames
are intended to contrast with the paint scheme of the helmet (which is
usually black), it is easiest to air brush in the detailing of a flame
pattern (such as a pattern beginning with white at a part of the ornament
closest to the forehead progressing to yellow, orange and red at the tips
of the flames closest to the back of the head) prior to applying the
ornament to the helmet. It will be readily apparent that spray painting
various shades over this separate ornament is a much easier process than
separating masking, painting progressive layers of colors on a one
dimensional motorcycle helmet.
The flame ornament 1 is thus painted for detailing and the decorative
ornament is subsequently adhered to the motorcycle helmet. Obviously, it
would be possible to adhered the three dimensional flame ornament to the
helmet prior to painting so that the customer may customize his own
helmet.
Next, the motorcycle helmet 2 to which the flame ornament is to be applied
is vigorously cleaned with a highly volatile solvent such as alcohol. The
ornament 1 is then adhered to the motorcycle helmet, preferably by
application of a two-component room-temperature curing epoxy adhesive such
as ARALDITE.RTM. 2043, a product of Ciba, to the back surface 4 of the
ornament 1. Araldite.RTM. 2043 is a very rapid-cure, multi-purpose
adhesive which will gel in 90 seconds at room temperature and is capable
of bonding a wide variety of metals, ceramics, glass, rubbers, rigid
plastics, and most other materials in common use. Araldite.RTM. 2043 is
desirable for it's transparent bond line and a flexible bonding joint. The
resin is typically mixed with hardener at a ratio of 1:1 in terms of
either weight to volume. The adhesive is typically provided in the form of
dual syringes and thus measuring the correct ratio of hardener and resin
is greatly simplified. Total curing time at 25.degree. C. is between 5
minutes and 2 hours. A layer of adhesive of between 0.002 and 0.004 inches
thick will normally impart the greatest lap shear strength. For easiest
application, the adhesive should be applied to the back surface 4 of the
ornament 1 and the ornament pressed against the motorcycle helmet 2 with
even contact and even overall pressure.
EXAMPLE 2
During the bonded process heat was generated and the fiberglass motorcycle
helmet soften. When attempting to separate the decorative ornament from
the helmet, the decorative ornament would internally tear. For complete
separation the decorative ornament had to be scraped or abraded from the
helmet. After scraping or abrading off a portion of the decorative
ornament, an inspection showed a permanent marring of the helmet by the
bonding process.
The underlining surface of the decorative ornament has substantially the
same outline along the perimeter as the outer surface. The outline of the
underlying and outer surfaces of different configuration is shown in the
figures.
Example 2 involves the addition of a demon head to the front of a helmet.
Unless indicated otherwise, the same materials and techniques as set forth
in Example 1 are repeated here.
A decorative demon head sculpture 8 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is cast of
SILASTIC.RTM., and painted with a black paint. Detailing (eye whites,
teeth, lips) is air brushed onto the black demon head. The head is cast
with a back surface being concave so as to fit flush against the front
surface of the helmet 7. After painting, epoxy adhesive is applied to the
back of the demon head ornament and the ornament as shown in FIG. 8 is
pressed against helmet 7 as shown in FIG. 9 until adhered as shown in FIG.
6.
A significant feature of the demon head is that teeth 9 project outward
from the helmet, yet do not constitute a safety hazard nor are they liable
to break. This is attributable to the flexible nature of the teeth.
EXAMPLE 3
Example 3 involves the application of a brain sculpture 10 to essentially
the entire surface of an abbreviated helmet 11 commonly referred to as a
skull cap. Unless indicated otherwise, the same materials and techniques
as set forth in Example 1 are repeated here.
First, a hemispherical sculpture having an outer contour representing a
brain 10 is formed as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. When casting this
sculpture as a single piece, a dividing segment 12 is included in the
sculpture. This dividing segment may either be left intact or trimmed away
prior to application of the brain sculpture to the helmet. The sculpture
has a concave inner surface 13 which conforms to the outer surface of the
helmet as shown in FIG. 13. The sculpture is painted, the dividing strip
12 is trimmed away, adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the
sculpture, and the sculpture is applied to the clean outer surface of the
helmet 11 to produce a helmet having the appearance of an exposed brain as
shown in FIG. 10.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the
optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to
include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to
one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may
be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Now that the invention has been described,
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